Holly Hybrids, Spreckels and SESVanderhave strive to provide the best possible sugarbeet seed varieties for our growing regions.

Variety Development

Start with Breeding for Desirable Characteristics

The plant breeder identifies desirable traits and breeds these into new varieties. Below is an example of resistant and tolerant sugarbeet varieties to a specific disease. Seed requirements in each rowing area may be different and the plant breeder has to take this into consideration.

Controlling Genetic Traits

Classical Breeding vs. Genetic Engineering

Many tools are available to the modern plant breeder. Classical methods use many numbered crosses to achieve a desired result. Genetic engineering, however, uses precise gene insertion to create very specific results, and is therefore much more efficient.

Breeding for Selected Traits

Field breeding plots are used to control crosses. Small cages eliminate pollen flow from one cross to another.

Develop Material for Field Trials Transgenic & Plant Clones

Laboratory techniques are used to produce desirable traits and increase the speed of development. This, in turn, helps producers respond to the demands of both agriculture and consumers.

Goals of Variety Development

• Customer/Grower satisfaction
• Produce varieties that create profit for sugarbeet growers
• Develop successful agronomic traits
• Stay apprised of new research technologies